Main Australian retailers and producers just lately participated within the FSC Forest Stroll at HVP Plantations in Victoria, an occasion designed to supply an in-depth understanding of FSC-certified forestry practices.
Organised by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and hosted by HVP Plantations, the occasion underscored FSC’s function in guaranteeing accountable forest administration and sustaining sustainable provide chains.
FSC certification is broadly recognised as the worldwide benchmark for accountable forestry, guaranteeing the safety of biodiversity, the rights of Indigenous communities, and the long-term sustainability of forests.
In response to the council, Australia has greater than 1.1 million hectares of FSC-certified forests and over 260 FSC-certified organisations, reflecting the nation’s rising dedication to moral and sustainable sourcing.
Representatives from Woolworths Group, Coles Group, Bunnings, Visy, Essity, Kimberly-Clark, and Australia Publish attended the occasion to achieve firsthand information of FSC’s certification requirements.
These companies depend on FSC-certified supplies for packaging, furnishings, and family merchandise, reinforcing their commitments to accountable sourcing and environmental sustainability.
Julian Westcott, Account Supervisor at Kimberly-Clark Skilled, an FSC chain of custody certificates holder, emphasised the impression of the expertise.
“Understanding the FSC system in a real-world setting was a useful expertise. Witnessing FSC-certified forest administration in motion strengthens our confidence within the integrity of the supplies we supply and highlights the significance of FSC certification in supporting sustainability objectives,” Westcott stated.
Coles Group, an FSC promotional licence holder, highlighted the importance of experiencing FSC-certified forestry firsthand.
“Being on the bottom and talking instantly with the HVP Plantations group managing these forests gave us a a lot deeper appreciation for the rigorous work behind FSC certification,” stated Emma Buchanan, Coles Personal Model Lead Sustainable Packaging Supervisor.
“It’s one factor to examine sustainability requirements, however witnessing them in motion drives house why FSC certification is so vital to our enterprise and the merchandise we provide customers.”
HVP Plantations, the primary forestry organisation in Australia to realize FSC certification, marked 20 years of FSC-certified operations in 2024.
Mick Evans, HVP Plantations Northern Area Basic Supervisor, reiterated the significance of FSC’s function in guiding accountable forestry.
“HVP was delighted to participate within the FSC Forest Stroll — an excellent alternative to interact with others in our price chain and share how we develop and harvest our merchandise responsibly. Our 20 years of certification displays our enduring dedication to stewardship and sustainable plantation forestry,” Evans said.
FSC ANZ CEO Melanie Robertson addressed attendees, reinforcing FSC’s essential function in world forestry administration because the organisation marks 30 years of impression.
FSC-certified forests present an answer that balances environmental conservation, social duty, and financial viability,” Robertson stated.
“The presence of so many main organisations right this moment highlights the essential function companies play in supporting accountable forestry.”